How We Rate Casinos
How We Rate Casinos
A number of factors determine how we rate online casinos. After all, there is a wide range of online casinos available on the UK market and the quality of each site varies. That is why we have a checklist of key features that we use in order to make accurate comparisons and assessments. As a result, we are able to distinguish between the leading UK casinos and the ones that still need to catch up. Here are some of our main points of discussion when evaluating online casinos:
Bonuses and promotions
A welcome bonus and free spins are the first things that appeal to UK players. We look at reload bonuses and cashback promotions. We also look at bonuses specifically for live casino players or mobile users. But we don’t stop at the headline features. Furthermore, we want to make sure that the wagering requirements adhere to industry standards. After all, receiving a large amount of bonus cash isn’t enough if it’s nearly impossible to complete the wagering requirements. Besides the welcome bonuses, we also evaluate all other promotions running throughout the year, including seasonal promotions and slot tournaments, for example. In short, we leave no stone unturned.
Range of casino games
Almost all of a player’s time will be spent playing casino games. Therefore, it is essential that there are lots of slot machines, progressive jackpots, table games, and live dealer games to choose from. In addition, we look for additional gambling options, such as sports betting and player-to-player poker. Furthermore, make sure that there are plenty of some of the leading games providers in the world available. The UK casino sites we rate high should feature at least one of the big-name providers, such as Microgaming, NetEnt or Playtech. Also, there needs to be a way to easily search and filter the options available.
Return to player (RTP)
The fact that an online casino has all the games you can imagine is one thing. However, it will not provide the most enjoyable experience unless the payout percentage is up there with the finest. We pay close attention to the return to player (RTP) percentages of the online casino because it is critical for us to find video slots and games with high RTPs. The progressive jackpots can be forgiven for low payouts, but not the non-jackpot slots. Also, we like and want to see low house edges offered on classic table games like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. Casinos that don’t take advantage of these things will earn very high ratings in this category.
Site design and useability
The ability to search through and filter games, combined with easy site navigation, is a plus. UK players always prefer the most relevant information to be at their fingertips. As well as having access to the cashier and making a deposit within two clicks, all of the main pages should be accessible within a short period of time. Customers should have no trouble requesting a withdrawal of their winnings either. We will dock some points if we have to spend forever trying to find information about a promotion, as another example. However, the majority of UK gambling sites are very competent in this respect. Of course, there is always room for improvement, and UK customers deserve it.
Payment methods
We always remind our users to choose wisely when adding cash funds to their playing accounts. So, if there are more payment methods available, that’s a positive thing, at least in our book. When considering the number of payment methods available, the small print on the casino payment page is equally relevant. We always take into account deposit and withdrawal limits, transfer and processing times, as well as any additional fees, for example. Considering the withdrawal time of players at online casinos can negatively affect players’ experience, we place a lot of importance on this.
Customer support
In most of the leading UK online casinos, customer support is crucial. We, as players, know that anything can happen and that it is vital that any issues are dealt with promptly. The excitement of a gambling session can be destroyed by restrictions on games, depositing problems or active bonuses. Therefore, we expect round-the-clock customer service for UK players to receive top marks. A key criterion for us is, therefore, the availability of knowledgeable, friendly and punctual customer service representatives via live chat, email, and (on occasion) phone. This way, any problems can be nipped before they escalate.
Reputation and ownership
In most cases, UK players don’t take this into consideration. Nevertheless, we can pretty much guarantee that a player will have a good time if we assess a UK online casino’s reputation. To make sure a site is improving or pulling a fast one, we monitor gambling forums, social media and online casino blacklists. As they say, it takes years to build a positive reputation but just seconds to ruin it. Therefore, we take this stuff very seriously. In addition to this, we always ensure the site is owned by the right people. Online casinos, for example, are usually part of a larger corporation, and what happens at one site can have an impact on another.
Licensing, privacy and security
The last point is that UK players must feel safe and secure when playing online. To make sure the license is completely legitimate, we always check for the coveted seal of approval from one of the major licensing authorities. As part of our testing, we ensure that there is a robust and open privacy policy that protects the personal and financial data of UK players. As a final step, we ensure that the entire casino site is encrypted. This should be either SSL or TLS encryption at the very least, and be applied to every page at an online casino. By doing so, players will be able to play with peace of mind during their gaming session.
Are your reviews 100% unbiased?
Of course! Our casino reviews contain editorial content, including opinions. We retain complete control over this content. However, we do earn a small commission from affiliate links on our site. This way, each casino we rate and review is always reviewed and rated with honesty, transparency and truthfulness.
How do you find RTP info for slots?
In the game itself, there is information on return to player (RTP). RTP information can usually be found by clicking on the “i” icon, the rules or the settings. Information about volatility can also be found there. It is beneficial to the player if the RTP is close to 100%.
How do I find an online casino’s license?
Online casinos usually include this information in their footer area. There should be an icon for the licensing authority on the casino’s site that will take you to information concerning the casino’s license. However, if you are unable to locate this icon, you can use this link. You can also find a text link with the license number in the footer area of the site.
How do you test the casino’s customer support?
Firstly, we examine the customer support pages and other methods of contacting them. In order to test the response time and knowledge of the customer support team, we send over a few test questions by email or via live chat. We’re looking for 24-hour support, if possible, and as many ways to contact them as possible.